Tomatina Photo Session: Capture the Chaos with a Local Photographer in Valencia

Ready to get messy in La Tomatina? I’m Louis Alarcon, a professional photographer based in Valencia, with years of experience capturing unforgettable moments during one of the wildest festivals in the world.

Get in touch to book your Tomatina photo session — spots are limited!   "I can only work with one client on this very special day."

first photo by : @albertosaizllop  (winner contest 2024)

second place by : @bieluno

Limited Availability in Tomatina – One Client Only

La Tomatina is a unique, high-energy event, and to give you my full attention and capture your best moments, I can only work with one client on this very special day.

If you're interested, don’t wait – book your photo session now and make your Tomatina memories unforgettable. (and book your tickets to go, if not is not possible to go into Buñol) 

Tomatina 2024 contest winning photos

third prize : @pablo_garcia_sacristan

Photography tips summary for a photo session at la Tomatina


✔  The main advice is to stay coordinated with the clients who booked the photo session. With so many people in the streets, it’s easy to lose track of each other, and without that connection, the session could be compromised.

✔  The best photos usually come at the end, when everything is covered in tomato red.

✔  Before the trucks arrive, it’s mostly water and not much color. There are usually around five trucks.

✔  To protect your gear, it’s wise to move into a side street when the chaos begins and wait for the best photographic moments toward the end.

✔  Make sure to request press accreditation from the organization—without it, cameras and backpacks are not allowed inside the event area.

✔  Also, don’t forget to buy your entrance ticket—access is strictly controlled and only paid ticket holders can enter.

✔  Bring your camera fully protected and waterproofed. Test your gear’s protection system before entering. Fixed lenses may be a better option to avoid operating the zoom in these conditions.

✔  Keep cleaning materials in sealed plastic bags—your lens will get dirty quickly, and without proper cleaning, your photos won’t be sharp.

✔  Some photographers bring toilet paper and unroll it from the inside to keep it clean. Others carry pre-cut sheets in zip bags, or use dry microfiber cloths—which work well if you can keep them dry (that’s the tricky part).

✔  If possible, photos can also be taken from above—from a balcony, for example. Accredited photographers may be allowed on the town hall balcony, or you might get access to a private home if you know the owners personally.

Tips for Your Tomatina Photo Session

Get ready for fun and chaos! Here are a few quick tips to look great and enjoy the experience:


✔ buy your ticket in https://latomatina.info/  (is the only way to participate in this regional party)

✔ Wear old clothes – they’ll get soaked and stained.

✔ Protect your eyes – goggles help, but try to keep them clear for better photos.

✔ Tie up long hair and avoid hats – they often get lost!

✔ Smile and enjoy – the best photos are the most natural ones.

✔ Trust me – I’ll be nearby (but safe from the tomato storm) to capture your best moments.

✔ Let’s make this wild day unforgettable!

Why Photograph La Tomatina?

Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol, near Valencia, turns into a vibrant battlefield where tens of thousands of people throw overripe tomatoes at one another. For many, it’s pure fun and madness. For a photographer, it’s a unique challenge and an irresistible visual feast.


La Tomatina is not just a messy tomato fight—it’s a world-famous cultural event with deep local roots and a spirit of freedom, joy, and community. As a photographer in La Tomatina, you’re not just documenting an event—you’re capturing emotion, movement, and pure chaos. It's street photography taken to the extreme.


How to Prepare for a Tomatina Photo Session

Photographing in the middle of flying tomatoes isn't for the faint-hearted. Here’s what to keep in mind for a successful Tomatina photo session:

Use a waterproof housing or action camera: Your gear will get soaked (and red).

Go wide: The chaos is all around. A wide-angle lens lets you tell the full story.

Focus on faces and reactions: Laughter, surprise, and joy are everywhere.

Capture before and after: The moments leading up to the battle, and the aftermath, are often as photogenic as the fight itself.


Want to Join with a Local Photographer?

If you’re coming to Valencia and want a professional to guide you through the best angles, safest spots, and most expressive shots, hiring a local photographer in La Tomatina can make a huge difference. Whether you're participating and want someone to capture your experience, or you're a photographer yourself looking for backup and insight, booking a Tomatina photo session is a smart move.


Make It Part of a Bigger Photography Adventure

Why stop at Buñol? Valencia and its surroundings offer amazing photo opportunities—modern architecture, Mediterranean beaches, street life, and local traditions. I offer photo tours and vacation photography for travelers who want to explore the city and return home with unforgettable images.


Contents © Louis Alarconsite by Bluekea